The author, commissioned by the China Hydraulic Pneumatic Seals Industry Association, attended the Hannover 2013 Industrial Fair in Germany. One of the central themes of the fair was the "Fourth Industrial Revolution," a concept that has since become a cornerstone of Germany's industrial strategy.
In Germany, manufacturing contributes significantly to the national economy, accounting for approximately 26% of the country’s added value. As part of its plan to modernize traditional manufacturing, a 112-page implementation proposal was submitted on October 2, 2012, by a research group led by the German Federal Government. The proposal was presented to key ministries including Education, Research, Economy, and the Interior. A substantial investment of 200 million euros (around 1.6 billion yuan) was allocated as the initial phase of development.
This revolution is not just technological—it’s an organized effort. For the first time, three major industry associations—the German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association, the Central Alliance for the Electronics Industry, and the New Media Association for Information and Communications—formed a joint working platform. Work began in April 2013, with one of their main tasks being to coordinate existing and upcoming research projects.
Germany’s industrial evolution can be divided into three key phases:
1. **Mechanization**: Starting in the late 18th century, steam power gradually replaced manual labor. Machines were driven by centralized power sources, transmitted via belts from overhead shafts. While division of labor existed before, it wasn’t until the adoption of new power sources that manufacturing truly transformed. The UK pioneered machine tool manufacturing, but “Made in Germany†became a warning label for low-quality imitations at the time.
2. **Mass Production Line**: In 1913, Ford introduced the assembly line, drastically reducing car production costs. The price of a Model T dropped from $850 to $370, but this also meant less customization. Electricity-driven machines and pipelines became more common, allowing better control over production processes.
3. **Automation**: Beginning in 1974, the use of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) marked the start of automation. These devices, based on integrated circuits, allowed more flexible and efficient control over industrial systems. Though initially overlooked, they laid the foundation for the digital age. Today, advanced programming languages like C are used for complex control strategies, and automation is now widespread, especially in the automotive industry.
The **Fourth Industrial Revolution** aims to make factories intelligent. Its core focus is integrating network technology into manufacturing. This shift is driven by future challenges such as resource scarcity, energy transition, changing demographics, and globalization.
Technologically, it relies on high-speed networks, with broadband speeds reaching up to 7,000 Mbit/s. Key features include flexibility, high resource efficiency, ergonomic design, and closer integration between businesses and customers or partners.
Key changes include:
- **Integration of IT and Production Technology**: Unlike traditional digital factories, which rely on top-down control, the new model emphasizes decentralization and autonomous smart equipment connected through networks. CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems) play a central role, enabling real-time communication and optimization. This could boost production efficiency by up to 30%.
- **Customized Production**: Factories can now meet individual customer demands while maintaining mass production efficiency. Customers interact with manufacturers throughout the entire process, even making changes during production.
- **Human-Centric Manufacturing**: With intelligent systems, workers can enjoy more flexible schedules and remote work options. Energy can be decentralized, and employees can work from home, reducing commuting emissions.
Examples like the Rexroth pump factory demonstrate how flexibility is essential in managing thousands of product variations efficiently.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is not a sudden change but a gradual transformation expected to unfold between 2020 and 2030. It requires not only technological upgrades but also shifts in mindset, involving economic, legal, and union perspectives.
Ultimately, the goal is to benefit both business partners and employees. Without this focus, even the best solutions may fail. Continuous improvement and innovation remain crucial to success.
Steel Wire Reinforced UHMWPE Pipe
We use a new process of "adhesive-free interference compound", That is to make the outer diameter of the UHMW-PElining pipe larger than the inner diameter of the steel pipe, and then the UHMW-PE pipe diameter is reduced by mechanical shrinkage, and the plastic lining pipe is introduced into the steel pipe without adhesive, andthe UHMW-PE ultra-strong memory function is utilized to stand for 24 to 48 hours, so that the UHMW-PE lining pipe isfirmly adhered to the inner wall of the steel pipe.
Steel Wire Reinforced Uhmwpe Pipe,Steel Wire Wound Uhmwpe Pipe,Water Supply Pipe,Steel Wire Reinforce Hdpe Pipe
SHANDONG EASTERN PIPE CO., LTD. , https://www.dfuhmwpe.com